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Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?

Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?


Postby murphy999 » Thu Sep 10, 2009 6:44 pm

Route description: Ben Chonzie via Glen Lednock

Munros included on this walk: Ben Chonzie

Date walked: 10/09/2009

Time taken: 3 hours

Distance: 6 km

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With the reputation of being the easiest and most boring of the Munros Ben Chonzie seemed fitting as a warm up for the winter season and also as a testing ground for my new boots.

Arriving at the head of Glen Lednock a small car park has room for a few cars and the route onto the hillside is obvious along a short road and to the right side of a pair of houses.

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Following an old Land Rover track it's a long rocky slog, tough on the ankles, but consolation comes in the form of the beautiful Glen Lednock gradually unfolding behind you.

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Almost at the ridge we left the track and crossed the headwaters of the burn following a muddy track which sucks your boots under.
Up and onto the ridge we made our way between two rocky outcrops and to within sight of the summit. Heading north west and then north east for about half a mile it is simple to find the top following a line of old fence posts.

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Having climbed Ben Chonzie I can say its reputation is somewhat deserved, but the hill serves as a perfect vantage point for far more impressive mountains. Extending as far north as the Cairgorms and in spectacular fashion towards the Lawers range the views are truly magnificent.
On a clear winters day this must be a fine spectacle, I know I will be back to see it.
Last edited by murphy999 on Mon Sep 28, 2009 9:57 am, edited 2 times in total.
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Re: Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?

Postby MacCookie » Fri Sep 11, 2009 12:10 pm

Ben Chonzie in winter? Go on then... ;)

http://www.flickr.com/photos/maccookie/ ... 10/detail/

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Re: Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?

Postby MadMackem » Wed Oct 07, 2009 7:16 pm

I hope it isn't boring, it's my first Munro challenge :) , only because its the closest to me, hope the weather stays ok for this saturday 10/10/2009

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Re: Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?

Postby IreneM » Wed Oct 07, 2009 7:21 pm

Have a great time at the weekend.
Ok, Ben Chonzie isn't the most physically challenging hill, but there should be loads of wildlife - hares in particular - and as the others have said, the views towards other hills will whet your appetite for other expeditions!

Mind and tell us all how it went.
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Re: Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?

Postby doogz » Wed Oct 07, 2009 9:21 pm

been twice .....ist time couldnt see 6ft ..next time an inversion and gr8 views
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Re: Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?

Postby murphy999 » Wed Jun 23, 2010 4:51 pm

Ignore this
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Re: Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?

Postby kevsbald » Thu Jun 24, 2010 1:36 pm

That is one sexy Mountain goat, MacCookie. Being from Aberdeen, I know these things....
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Re: Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?

Postby kinley » Thu Jun 24, 2010 11:36 pm

There's an oft used quote - "there's no such thing as a boring hill - just boring hillwalkers"

I don't accept that - it should read "There's no such thing as a boring hill - just bored hillwalkers"

I don't ever remember a bad hill day - but as I run around photographing plants and wildlife and rocks while climbing the hills and taking in the views I think I have enough to keep me occupied.

Ben Chonzie has some of the highest density hares in Scotland and I've seen Osprey, Hen Harriers and Red Kites in the area so I wouldn't say boring.
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Re: Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?

Postby LeithySuburbs » Fri Jun 25, 2010 12:41 am

I second Kinley. This may seem a bit sad but... I enjoy every walk I do/have done. Simply being outside lifts my soul. Even the Cairnwell has great views and wildlife :lol: .
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Re: Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?

Postby iainwatson » Sat Jul 31, 2010 6:45 pm

totallly agree with never having had a bad/boring walk

i just love being out in the hills,

rain,sleet,snow,gale force winds- nothing deters me from enjoying it
granted i've only been up 30 odd hills but every hill has offered something memorable :D

thinking of going up Chonzie tomorrow and very much looking forward to it
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Re: Ben Chonzie - is it really boring?

Postby murphy999 » Sat Jul 31, 2010 7:25 pm

I think much of the boredom stems from trudging almost all the way to the top on a land rover track and then a grassy final ascent. If this wasn't there the walk would be much improved as the glen is wonderful, the wildlife numerous and the views as always in the highlands, beyond compare.
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